Arsene Wenger sees a potential centre-forward in Schalke's attacking midfielder - just like he did with a certain Feyenoord prospect a decade ago.

Arsene Wenger is trying to do a £35million deal for German whizkid Julian Draxler - so he can turn him into the new Robin van Persie.

Arsenal manager Wenger accepts that they may have to wait until the summer, but enquiries have been made to Schalke about trying to land the Gunners' No.1 target this month instead.

Wenger sees major potential in converting the 20-year-old Draxler from an attacking midfielder to a centre-forward.

In 2004, Wenger bought van Persie - then a wide player and attacking midfielder - from Feyenoord and transformed him into an out-and-out goalscorer who has become one of the most lethal strikers in the world.